The People of CFI ALL ABOARD
It
is fair to say we have all adapted to a new way of life over the past year, delving into the world of zoom meetings, swapping gym sessions for online classes and changing how we interact with friends and family. CF Ireland understands that this has been an isolating and lonely time for many within our community and would like to reassure members that we are here for support. It can be tough to reach out, so to make it easier we thought we would reintroduce ourselves. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is run by a National Executive Committee made up of volunteers with a direct connection to cystic fibrosis. The board of CFI continue to meet virtually to discuss the direction of the organisation and issues facing the CF Community. Keith McCabe, Chairperson Eastern Branch, joined board in 2017 Business Executive “I got involved with CFI originally because my son, Senan (age 7), has CF. I reached out a few years after he was born and it ultimately resulted in my joining the board. There have been multiple highlights of my time with CFI. On a personal note, it has been the numerous fundraising initiatives that I have been involved in, most recently completing 65km run over 65 Roses Day. On a broader level, being a parents' voice through the “Orkambi campaign” and ultimately joining the board was memorable and a decision I have never regretted.” Patricia Duffy Barber, Vice-chairperson Adult PWCF branch, joined CFI board approx. 2012 Speech and Language Therapist for HSE “I got involved with CFI as I have CF myself. I became involved with the Adult CF group in my late teens, it was a great way to meet other people my age who just 'got it'; who knew what it was like and had been in hospital and knew how I was feeling. I have enjoyed seeing the association evolve from CFAI to CFI, during that time I've loved the social aspect of meeting people and been privileged to represent the members in meeting many Ministers for Health and An t-Uachtarán Michael D Higgins. The dedication and enthusiasm of branches fundraising annually has amazed me. I've been so encouraged to see the result of advocacy for better services, more staff and better treatment including the new drugs which have amazing potential for both us oldies in our 40s and our youngest members!”
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Spectrum / Summer 2021
